Ft Lauderdale Family, Cosmetic, and Sedation Dentistry Blog | Dr. Thomas O'Neil
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Is Chewing Gum Good For Your Teeth?
It has been one of those old time myths that chewing gum is bad for your teeth. That is not true. Yep that’s right chewing gum is good for your teeth. If your about and about and don’t have time or access to a toothbrush or toothpaste, the next best alternative is gum. With the one reservation, and that is the sugar issue. If you only chew while the sugar lasts and then throw it away, you will get a sugar attack on the teeth and won’t see the benefits. But if you chew it for longer, it helps clean your teeth. For example, the gum mechanically cleans the surfaces of your teeth as you chew and secondly, possibly the most beneficial, is that it promotes saliva flow.
Saliva is great for several reasons. For one it has enzymes that digest carbohydrates, it has antibodies that fight tooth decay-causing bacteria. It also contains a buffer that neutralizes the acids that eat away at your teeth. In addition it also contains minerals that help rebuild parts of your teeth that have been attacked by decay acid. This repair process by your saliva is a very important part of fighting tooth decay. So, when your chewing your gum and stimulating flow of saliva, you will have all these good things happening in your mouth.
By: Brandee and Chelsi
Saliva is great for several reasons. For one it has enzymes that digest carbohydrates, it has antibodies that fight tooth decay-causing bacteria. It also contains a buffer that neutralizes the acids that eat away at your teeth. In addition it also contains minerals that help rebuild parts of your teeth that have been attacked by decay acid. This repair process by your saliva is a very important part of fighting tooth decay. So, when your chewing your gum and stimulating flow of saliva, you will have all these good things happening in your mouth.
By: Brandee and Chelsi
posted by The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil at 5:04 PM
7707 N. University Dr., Suite 201
Tamarac, FL 33321
Call Dr. O’Neil at 800-458-9140 or fill out an online contact form so we can get in touch with you.
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